This study aimed to test the efficacy of associative
and dissociative attention-based strategies derived from the
MAP model to improve performance in endurance activity,
and to verify whether specific cortical functional networks are
associated with the different types of performance foreseen in
the MAP model. The findings from one cyclist support the
hypothesis that dissociative strategies induce electrophysiological
conditions facilitating flow performance states, which are
mainly characterized by extensive functional connectivity
across all brain areas in the alpha band. Associative strategies
do not seem to conform to this framework, although focusing
on the core components of action minimized the awareness of
unpleasant afferent feedback, thus delaying detrimental
increments of perception of effort, which manifest as a predominant
frontal-motor coupling in the alpha band and frontooccipital
coupling in the beta band.

This study aimed to test the efficacy of associative
and dissociative attention-based strategies derived from the
MAP model to improve performance in endurance activity,
and to verify whether specific cortical functional networks are
associated with the different types of performance foreseen in
the MAP model. The findings from one cyclist support the
hypothesis that dissociative strategies induce electrophysiological
conditions facilitating flow performance states, which are
mainly characterized by extensive functional connectivity
across all brain areas in the alpha band. Associative strategies
do not seem to conform to this framework, although focusing
on the core components of action minimized the awareness of
unpleasant afferent feedback, thus delaying detrimental
increments of perception of effort, which manifest as a predominant
frontal-motor coupling in the alpha band and frontooccipital
coupling in the beta band.